Handball European Championships
Handball players expect “vocal support” from Scholz
DHB sports director Axel Kromer is pleased about the Chancellor’s support. photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
First Frank-Walter Steinmeier, now Olaf Scholz. Germany’s handball players also inspire politicians. DHB sports director Kromer has a clear mandate to the Chancellor.
Germany’s handball players are relying on the help of the Federal Chancellor in the European Championship game against North Macedonia (8.30 p.m./ZDF and Dyn). Olaf Scholz (SPD). “We have the clear expectation that the Chancellor will support the team loudly. Because that’s what all the fans who come into the hall do,” said DHB sports director Axel Kromer with a smile before the game.
After Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) attended the world record game in Düsseldorf, Scholz has announced the next high-ranking political visit. “Of course we are pleased that politicians recognize that the sport of handball moves a lot of people and attracts a lot of attention. That is great for the sport,” said Kromer and gave Scholz a “warm welcome.”
Kromer doesn’t think that the Chancellor’s visit will have any influence on the players’ nervousness. “Despite all my appreciation, I don’t think that the players in the vicinity of a European Championship think about who is sitting on the stage.” The national players are still feeling anticipation. “Seeing these people fills you with pride. I’m happy to see this personality. Otherwise you only know him from TV,” said EM newcomer Martin Hanne.